Football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, was ejected from Portugal’s UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Dublin on Thursday. The ejection came as a result of a straight red card penalty for elbowing Republic of Ireland’s defender, Dara O’Shea, in the 59th minute of play. The fouls which was initially caught as a yellow card offense was bumped up after a VAR review. This is Ronaldo’s first red card in 22 years while representing Portugal.
The red card has sparked several reactions online with some comparisons against a similar action in the MLS in which Lionel Messi elbowed a defender but rather got the referee’s decision in his favor. Football pundit, Piers Morgan highlighted the perceived inconsistencies in officiating in a viral post on tweeter.
Reports from Mirror reveal that the Al Nassr star is at risk of missing out on the World Cup action through suspension following the red card offense.
Just after being sent off, Ronaldo was seen exchanging words with Ireland’s manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. When asked by reporters on what Ronaldo said to him, Hallgrimsson replied, “He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee.”
“But listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head,” he added.
Outlook for Portugal
Portugal were unable to make a comeback at the Aviva Stadium after the veteran was sent off in the 56th minute of play. The brace by Troy Parrott in the first half gave Ireland the edge they needed although there were no further goals after Ronaldo was sent off. While Ronaldo’s fate rests on the length of his suspension, and Portugal’s qualification, his appearance at the group stage will be affected if the ban were to exceed one game.
Upcoming fixtures
Portugal are still in a position to qualify from Group F as victory at home to Armenia on 16 November 2025, will be all they need to scale through.
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